Paul Berry, aged 60, of Pattinson Gardens, Felling, Gateshead, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court on Friday, 14 May 2021, after being found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault against three children.
The court heard that Berry’s offending spanned over two decades—the earliest offence dated back to the 1980s, when Berry indecently assaulted a young girl. In the mid-2000s, Berry went on to abuse two young boys, subjecting them to unwanted sexual advances and repeated sexual assaults.
Northumbria Police initiated an investigation in 2019 after the three victims formally reported the historical abuse. Officers arrested Berry, who denied all allegations during police questioning.
Following a crown court trial in March 2021, a jury rejected Berry’s denials and found him guilty on all counts.
Appearing for sentence on 14 May 2021, Berry was convicted of:
Twelve counts of sexual assault against children
The presiding judge handed Berry a 14-year custodial term. The court also made him subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered that he remain on the sex offenders register for life.
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